Draft spot over/under: Best bets for top defensive players
A majority of the buzz leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft has revolved around the offense.
Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are penciled in to go No. 1 and 2, respectively, while Mac Jones, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields will all go off the board shortly thereafter. Tight end Kyle Pitts is a generational talent and reigning Heisman winner DeVonta Smith is arguably the third-best prospect at wide receiver.
It's about time we flipped over to the other side of the ball.
There may not be a defensive player selected within the first 10 picks Thursday, but stocks are on the move nonetheless. Oddsmakers set draft totals on some of the top defenders in the 2021 class, so let's dive in and see where the value is.
CB Jaycee Horn - 11.5
Over: -235
Under: +185
Horn's gained arguably more traction than any other defensive prospect in the last week or so. He was long considered CB2 in the class behind Alabama's Patrick Surtain II before narrowing the gap and flirting with top-10 consideration.
The South Carolina product allowed just 4.5 yards per target on a 31.5% completion rate to go along with two picks and eight pass breakups last season. He spent half his time in man coverage and allowed just 1.5 yards per snap, the third-best mark for draft-eligible corners.
Horn's athleticism is off the charts, and he dominated in the top conference in college football. If his recent surge is legit (and it feels like it is), then there's plenty of value to go under the current number.
Pick: Under 11.5 (+185)
LB Micah Parsons - 13.5
Over: -115
Under: -115
Parsons finished his career at Penn State in 2019 with 109 total tackles, five sacks, and four forced fumbles. He's a Devin White prototype with impressive athleticism who can play every down right away.
He'll more than likely be the first linebacker off the board, potentially in the top 10. Look for the Denver Broncos (No. 9), New York Giants (No. 11), or Philadelphia Eagles (No. 12) to help out.
Pick: Under 13.5 (-115)
CB Patrick Surtain II - 10
Over: -140
Under: +110
The obvious fit for Surtain is No. 10 to the Cowboys. Dallas allowed the most passing touchdowns in the league last year and all three qualified corners were No. 58 or worse in PFF's cornerback grades.
Dallas likely pounces on Surtain, or moves back if he's gone. Either way, I can't envision him being on the board when the Giants are up at No. 11.
It's a clean sweep for unders.
Pick: Under 10 (+110)
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.